The guy who claims he was "just lucky" in getting a Switch two weeks early was reportedly using a stolen console.

Last week, NeoGAF user HippoTheRobot posted videos of the UI and unboxing of a Nintendo Switch - which he claims he received two weeks ahead of official release by "just being lucky" and having his retailer ship his pre-order early. Now, Nintendo is stating that actually, this is a stolen console which has been illegally resold.

"Earlier this week, individuals claimed to prematurely purchase a small number of Nintendo Switch systems from an unspecified retailer. Nintendo has determined these units were stolen in an isolated incident by employees of a U.S. distributor, with one system being illegally resold. The individuals involved have been identified, terminated from their place of employment and are under investigation by local law enforcement authorities on criminal charges," said Nintendo in a statement to IGN.

HippoTheRobot responded with "Not sure if I can really talk about it but I will say Nintendo has the console back and I am personally not in any trouble. Other than being out a console and the money I paid for it which really sucks with all the bills I have right now but it isn't going to be the end of the world or anything." Not sure I have too much sympathy for the guy, considering he probably paid gouged prices for what was obviously a stolen console.

"Other than being out a console and the money I paid for it which really sucks with all the bills I have right now but it isn't going to be the end of the world or anything." Well it's his own damn fault for buying something that's supposed to release a few weeks later, dunno what this guy expected

I saw the storm going down in NeoGaf, looks like he initially said it was shipped early, then backed off and then tried to sell it on reddit. I highly doubt that he was unaware it was stolen, because there is a huge leap from being shipped early to acquiring it yourself.

Hm, I wonder if there was any legal obligation for him to give the console back to Nintendo. At the very least, I would have asked for financial compensation, it's not like Nintendo couldn't afford a few hundred quid.

JoJo:Hm, I wonder if there was any legal obligation for him to give the console back to Nintendo. At the very least, I would have asked for financial compensation, it's not like Nintendo couldn't afford a few hundred quid.

JoJo:Hm, I wonder if there was any legal obligation for him to give the console back to Nintendo. At the very least, I would have asked for financial compensation, it's not like Nintendo couldn't afford a few hundred quid.

You have no right (in the US) to keep stolen property, even if you paid for it. Pawn shops often have this problem as they'll buy stolen merchandise only for the police to seize it, and they don't get their money back. If you're buying something it's up to you to make sure it's not illegal or stolen, given the evidence (like he tried to resell it), Nintendo could pursue charges the guy as well, but there's little reason to now.

Igor-Rowan:I saw the storm going down in NeoGaf, looks like he initially said it was shipped early, then backed off and then tried to sell it on reddit. I highly doubt that he was unaware it was stolen, because there is a huge leap from being shipped early to acquiring it yourself.

That's about the only reason I don't have sympathy for the guy. I really don't think he bought a stolen system by mistake. Why would he lie and say that he had received it early from an online shipper, if he thought he bought it legitimately?

Reminds me of those people who steal from stores then post it online, with pictures and everything!Some people...jeez...

I remember hearing about a person who stole a vacuum and then tried to return it when it didn't work. There was also the woman who tried to buy something at Walmart with a "Million dollar bill" which was obviously counterfeit.

Kibeth41:So.. Just going to repeat something here that I indicated in a different thread.

In my short time in this line of work, I've found that far too many people insert personal opinions into news coverage

Lizzy Finnegan was apologetic for putting personal bias into news articles, and I would have assumed there'd be some level of communication between Escapist employees to avoid common mistakes, but...

Not sure I have too much sympathy for the guy, considering he probably paid gouged prices for what was obviously a stolen console.

Thanks for the comment, this is a very reasonable concern. I think what Liz, and myself, are concerned about is people who insert personal opinion into news coverage and present, or disguise it as fact. Here I have voiced an opinion but made it very clear that it is my own opinion. I feel like this is acceptable as it adds flavor and fuels discussion of a post, but you are of course entitled to disagree.

JoJo:Hm, I wonder if there was any legal obligation for him to give the console back to Nintendo. At the very least, I would have asked for financial compensation, it's not like Nintendo couldn't afford a few hundred quid.

You have no right (in the US) to keep stolen property, even if you paid for it. Pawn shops often have this problem as they'll buy stolen merchandise only for the police to seize it, and they don't get their money back. If you're buying something it's up to you to make sure it's not illegal or stolen, given the evidence (like he tried to resell it), Nintendo could pursue charges the guy as well, but there's little reason to now.

Interesting, thanks for the info. I don't actually know the law in my own country, I'll have to look it up.

Was forced to. It's nigh impossible to pull any conversational value from your posts. Because, your intention is never to have one.

Was that what you were going for with that "miserable fucks" post? Have a conversation?

1. Don't misquote me as if I forgot what I wrote.2. Much like how in your eyes, Bogos is allowed to be critical of individuals on the internet, I'm allowed to be critical of communities.3. Your derailment really proves me right. You're just here for harassment and attention.